Mark Sanchez earns top spot on Broncos' depth chart

Sanchez works with first team, Siemian with second and Lynch with third

By Troy E. Renck

The Denver Post

Posted:
06/07/2016 08:56:18 PM MDT

Updated:
06/07/2016 09:35:45 PM MDT

Denver Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian, front, throws a pass during the first day of minicamp on Tuesday. (David Zalubowski / Associated Press)

ENGLEWOOD — In an offseason defined by uncertainty, the Broncos introduced structure to the perceived chaos at the league's most important position on Tuesday. Mark Sanchez, the veteran, worked with the first team. Trevor Siemian, the promising second-year prospect, manned the second unit. And rookie Paxton Lynch, otherwise known as the future, logged snaps with the third team. Kubiak wanted order to prevent the changing of parts with the offensive line and the receivers.

It doesn't mean it will stay this way. In fact, the three candidates might not be ranked like this next week. But on Tuesday it brought a reminder that an open competition with repetitions and opportunities for the three spots boasts an expiration date. Kubiak wants each quarterback to have a chance. But he also wants to give the offense the best chance to coalesce before the games count.

"I'm just trying to rep them all," Kubiak said. "Going into this week, we wanted to set presence as far as exactly how we worked."

Sanchez continues to view this week's mandatory minicamp and next week's workouts as a chance to distance himself from the field. He hasn't begun the season as a starter since 2012. He has poured everything into this opportunity, accelerating his learning curve with hours of playbook study and film work. Appearing less limited by his left thumb injury, Sanchez connected with receiver Demaryius Thomas on a short pass that showed improved timing. His highlights in 7-on-7 work featured extremes. He scrambled and fired a pass out of bounds under pressure, living for another down, an important concept to master when propped up by the league's best defense. Moments later, Sanchez looked right and uncorked a perfect spiral down the sideline to Emmanuel Sanders, who beat cornerback Bradley Roby with an over-the-shoulder catch.

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"Of course. I think you have to expect that. That's the way you have to compete. There's no second-guessing yourself," Sanchez said when asked if he expected to be the starter entering training camp. "When you get on the field, you've got to be the 'baddest' dude out there and play your butt off."

Siemian remains in the mix because he's done nothing to suggest otherwise. His arm continues to grab notice from teammates, as well as his command of the offense. He fired a laser to tight end Jeff Heuerman for an impressive completion over the middle. As has been his way, Siemian delivered a long pass, syncing with Jordan "Sunshine" Taylor on a post route.

"That's my guy," Siemian said. "I just got a ton of reps with him — even last year in camp, I got a ton of throws with him. He does a good job of separating and going up and getting the ball," Siemian said. "I think he's a heck of a player."

Siemian, who is more mobile and stronger 18 months removed from surgery on his left knee, read defenses Tuesday, but not much into the depth chart.

"It's early and they gave us a head's up," Siemian said. "My thought process this whole time, is take the reps you're given and make the most of them and things will kind of work itself out."

Lynch delivers highlights each day that articulate why he was a first-round draft choice. His footwork is improving, and he showed off his mobility and accuracy with completions while running to his right and left. The hurdles for Lynch remain mental. He is learning a new offense and working under center for the first time since his freshman year in college. It doesn't mean he can't catch up, but it'll take a lot of work.

"The playbook is still big. I know a lot more. I feel like I have come a long way," Lynch said. "I am more comfortable and that should come from more reps, calling the plays and getting used to the verbiage."

Tuesday was mandatory for the Broncos. Order was restored even as chaos lurks in the shadows.

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